Qualitative Research and Engagement Centre

OUR SOLUTIONS

We provide trusted, expert research which brings the public voice into decision making by putting peoples’ lived experiences at the heart of what we do.

Purpose + Mission

We are experts in

Qualitative methods
Dialogue
Public engagement
Bringing the public voice into policy making

Grounded in high-quality, inclusive and ethical processes, our work delivers the robust insights needed to make people-centred change. Our rigorous approach means that we are trusted to deliver complex and high-profile studies that help policy makers build public engagement and a true understanding of how policies and public services are working for citizens.

Whether carrying out domestic or international work we are driven by delivering insights that have impact and longevity, making a difference to our clients and ultimately, the public.

Approach

We design qualitative research and engagement studies using both traditional and innovative methods, which enables us to evolve our approaches to make the most of the latest technological developments such as Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality technologies.

We are also fast to adapt to the impact of societal changes on our industry and have been at the forefront of developing online research and engagement throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our experience ensures that the needs and wellbeing of our participants – ranging from the most vulnerable in our society to influential policymakers and thought leaders – are carefully considered, supporting them to share their experiences and views.

Integrated solutions

Our methods offer is aligned with the Public Affairs policy teams, meaning that we combine methodological expertise with policy expertise. We also work regularly with other areas of Ipsos too including:

Trends and Foresight
Strategy/advisory
Behavioural science
Ethnography
Innovation, data analytics
Communications

Senior leadership team

Michelle Mackie, Head of QREC, Ipsos

Michelle, Director, heads up the centre and specialises in deliberative engagement and public dialogue. Michelle has designed and delivered large and complex public engagement exercises exploring complex policy dilemmas and the associated trade-offs, particularly in the fields of data, science strategy, climate and net zero and health service design.

Isabella Pereira, Head of Qualitative Methodology, Ipsos

Isabella, Director, is a specialist in qualitative research methods, research ethics, and recently served as a trustee of the Social Research Association. Isabella has run some of Ipsos’s largest, most complex and sensitive qualitative studies. Her clients include the Home Office, the Ministry of Justice, the Cabinet Office and HMRC.

Reema Patel, Head of Deliberative Engagement, Ipsos

Reema, Director, has led citizen engagement initiatives on complex areas including the Citizens’ Economic Council (RSA) and the Citizen’s Economic Council on the Cost of Living (KLC). She is policy engagement lead for the ESRC+ Digital Good Network, and an Associate Fellow at the Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence.

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Client case-studies

The Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme evaluation April 2023
Net Zero Futures Public Dialogue April 2023
Building a public mandate for court data use July 2022
Future Flight mini Public Dialogue June 2022
Confidence in Public Transport September 2021
Test and Trace Public Advisory Group June 2021
Resource allocation, age and COVID-19 September 2020
OneLondon health and care data deliberation May 2020
Oxford Citizens Assembly on Climate Change January 2020

Insights

Deliberative Engagement Best Practice Guide | Ipsos
The need for meaningful engagement with the public on the NHS Digital data programme – Blog by Michelle Mackie
The Qualitative Research and Engagement Centre, One Year On – Blog by Michelle Mackie